In schools, however, physical education is compulsory. The Tamil Nadu School Education Department framed a syllabus for physical education in all classes in schools that are part of the State board this year. The CBSE had earlier this year formulated guidelines that stated that classes IX to XII should have a daily sports period.
“We are allotted upto two periods a week for physical education for all classes. We make it a point to ask the students at the start of the year if they have any ailments that restrict them from playing a sport and this is done across all government schools,” said P. Senkathir, president of the Association of Post Graduate Physical Education Teachers.
He said that they insist that a medical certificate be submitted or the parents come and speak to the head of the school. The new curriculum has a mix of sports and track and field events, as well as yoga and basic floor exercises for students with various health conditions.
Importance of play
“It is very important however that children who do not have any ailments participate in regular physical education classes as this ensures that they get some outdoor activity at least,” Mr. Senkathir added. Rema Chandramohan, professor of Paediatrics, Institute of Child Health, said it is usually children with asthma, epilepsy and diabetes that are asked to take care, apart from those recovering from a bout of illness. “Play is the main thing for children, and it would not be fair to ask them not to play. So, if a child has exercise-induced asthma, we ask him/her to take a puff before going to play. We are very strict with children who experience seizures on continuing medication,” she said.
In case of diabetes, play can cause a drop in sugar level in children. “We do not want to deprive them of play. So, We tell them not to deprive themselves of food and play, but to titrate their insulin dose depending on their need,” she added.